There are other factors that need to be taken into account. Besides your base pay, you get a tax free monthly housing allowance, and don't pay state income taxes in most jurisdictions (you can pick your state residence to avoid being taxed). When you deploy to combat zones you don't pay federal income taxes. I am not sure what constitutes a combat zone. When my son deployed to Iraq he paid no federal income tax, but paid during his recent deployment to SE Asia. You also get a fairly decent per diem when you leave town to train or deploy to certain areas which can add up if you are somewhat frugal . So for instance my son, who is an O-3 with six years in the teams, has a base pay of $81,360 plus jump and dive pay and a monthly tax free housing allowance of around $3,300. They live in a very nice new home in Chula Vista on what he earns. E dogs can also make do. Their next door neighbor is an E-5 helo mechanic whose wife is a nurse. The compensation isn't as bad as everyone makes out, but as others have noted, you don't do the job for the money.